French factor mitigates Kingfisher gains

LONDON — Kingfisher blamed French market conditions for third-quarter profits at the low end of forecasts. Shares fell with the announcement of lower gains at the company’s Castorama and Brico Depot banners in France, even as it made gains in all other international markets. CEO Ian Cheshire contrasted the situation in France with Britain’s outlook, which has been generally optimistic about seeing improvement next year. Check out yahoo.com.